Month: March 2015

On the bus to and from the Metropolitan Courthouse for Jury Duty. Found myself on a jury for two weeks, and if you’ve ever had to sit still without actually working – writing, typing, reading, drawing – then you know that something swells up in the mind, a magma force waiting to bubble to the surface. These images from my seat on the bus are the islands that formed from the extreme anxiety of having to sit through a court case.

Downtown Los Angeles – These images were the result of the evening rush making their way home. There are few opportunities for harsh lighting to find a way into Downtown, what with all the buildings and the limited space available. My view from the bus window gave the photos here a candid quality. Some people noticed me from my seat with the camera, but for the most part these are the swimmers outside the boat, making their way home.

Mattie Stacey drove with a group of friends from Oakland, California to secure her spot outside the gallery.

“I enjoy the universe, it’s a fun way to have a balance of really, heavy issues – they’re going to war, but there’s still a lot of silliness.”

Steve Perez wants Korra’s story to continue.

“If I could ask the creators a question – what is the possibility of there being a comic that updates monthly and explores that world?”

Lorraine Grate thinks the show’s complexity gives people a chance to redefine what a hero looks like.

“The show was really progressive, and the main character is female. And then she ends up bi-sexual in the end. It shows a lot of people that there are more than just white, male protagonists. It’s a great show and well written.”

When asked about the crowds and the fans camping out for the exhibition show creator Michael DiMartino had this to say:

“It’s amazing. I always get a little overwhelmed when I see the crowds. I also feel bad when I hear that people slept over for two nights. But I appreciate their dedication and support. Even one night, even 10 hours is more than I’ve given to my favorite shows. It’s very humbling.”

Alhambra –The Avatar tribute exhibition at Gallery Nucleus was a sort of victory lap for show creators Bryan Konietzco and Michael DiMartino. The gallery show marked the 10 year anniversary for Avatar: The Last Airbender, with the spin-off series The Legend of Korra which just ended in December 2014.

Both animated series revolved around a world inspired by Eastern mysticism, fantasy adventure and steam punk vehicles. But the legacy the Nickelodeon series leaves behind is a testament to its engaging characters, complex storylines and a fan base with a voracious appetite for more stories from the world of Avatar.

The actual line to get into the gallery show wrapped around the block and plenty of fans came dressed as their favorite characters from the series. Some fans camped out overnight in costume and make, but you couldn’t tell by the energy people were putting out.